Manual Therapy

David D., Louisville, KY

My wife was having horrible back pain from a bulged disc. We visited the friendly staff and they were able to have her up and walking with very little pain in just two visits! We are still visiting to finish up the rest of her therapy. Lacey is one of the most caring person I have ever met! Two thumbs up for sure to her and the staff!

Do you have frustrating problems like muscle pain or restricted movements? These are common problems for many people today — and there’s great news: manual physical therapy can help in a totally non-invasive way. Many patients who have tried to cope with their pain and motion problems through medication end up feeling frustrated. Medication can only make you feel better briefly — and it may trick your brain into making unsafe motions if you have an injury. Manual physical therapy helps you heal instead of covering up symptoms.

What is Manual Physical Therapy?

Manual physical therapy is an approach that may be used by your physical therapist. It’s also known as hands-on therapy because your physical therapist will use gentle hand movements to make corrections. Hands-on therapy can include:

Joint Mobilization

Spinal Mobilization

Soft Tissue Mobilization

Muscle Energy Techniques

The goal of manual therapy is to help you in several ways. You’ll enjoy an improved range of motion, less pain, less inflammation, and more efficient healing after an injury or symptom flare. Manual physical therapy includes a number of different techniques and approaches. Your physical therapist will customize a manual therapy plan that works for you and your problems.

The Types of Manual Therapy

There are several types of manual therapy. Your physical therapist will evaluate your movement and pain issues to determine the optimal treatment approach.

Joint Mobilization

Therapeutic massage is often very helpful, especially when combined with rest. However, the pain will typically come back because the origin of the issue must be addressed for lasting results. Problems like pain and muscle spasms happen because you have a restricted joint. Your physical therapist can use joint mobilization techniques to loosen the joint gradually and painlessly. When the joint is healed, your pain and movement issues are healed as well.

Soft Tissue Mobilization

In soft tissue mobilization, your manual physical therapist will remove the adhesions, the fibrous tissue that is causing pain and interfering with free movement. To eliminate the adhesions and free your muscles, your physical therapist has to break the adhesions apart into small pieces. This can include specific hands-on pressure, stretching routines. One of the most common soft tissue mobilization techniques is myofascial release. It can help with muscle tightness, post-surgical problems, sports injuries, and chronic pain.

Strain Counterstrain Technique

In the strain counterstrain technique, your physical therapist helps you move a restricted joint to its limit and then carefully moving it further in a highly controlled and safe way. The main goal is to return your joint to its normal range of motion. Strain counterstrain isn’t painful, and it’s a very powerful technique for recovery after an injury or illness. It’s highly effective for back problems and for other pain causing conditions.

Muscle Energy Techniques

Muscle Energy Technique is a form of a manual therapy which uses a muscle’s own energy in the form of gentle isometric contractions to help lengthen and relax the muscle. Muscle energy techniques can help with muscles that are tight or not moving appropriately and it’s also helpful for restricted joints. In this type of manual therapy, your physical therapist will have you push against a counterforce controlled by them. Muscle energy technique isn’t painful, and it’s expertly controlled by your physical therapist the entire time.

How Manual Therapy in Physical Therapy Helps

Manual therapy can be one of the most effective healing tools possible if you’re dealing with a sudden injury, chronic pain, or even post-surgical issues. To create the optimal manual physical therapy program for you, your physical therapist has to first perform a complete assessment. This will include measurements of your joint mobility, range of motion, and strength. Once your physical therapist is fully aware of the origin and extent of your condition, they’ll discuss a course of treatment with you.

All manual therapy focuses on improving your physical well being while you’re hurting. In addition to removing joint and muscle restriction problems, manual therapy also reduces pain and even improves your blood flow. These are benefits you’ll have both now and moving forward.